In a demonstration of its commitment to providing the region with world-class entertainment, du has today been selected as the official Race Partner for Red Bull Racing during the 2010 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The collaboration comes as part of a longstanding partnership between du and Red Bull, with du having been the Local Telecom Partner for Red Bull’s main events in the UAE throughout 2010.

“As a company committed to providing the people of the UAE with the very best in entertainment, we are pleased to partner with the Red Bull Racing Team for the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2010. du recently became the first operator in the UAE to introduce 42.2 Mbps on our DC HSPA+ network - the fastest mobile broadband in the country and among the few in the world – and so I believe it is very fitting that our customers will be able to enjoy the fastest event in the world, on the fastest mobile network in the UAE,” commented Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

As part of the collaboration, du will present the Red Bull Racing F1 Show Car in Mall of the Emirates from the 6 November to the 8 November. In addition, du will conduct a radio competition in cooperation with Red Bull Racing where lucky winners will have the chance to meet Red Bull Racing Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel.

“We are proud of this partnership with du”, said Alberto Chahoud, Red Bull’s Regional Communications Manager. “Through this strategic brand synergy, du will reward its customers with one of the most exciting sport and entertainment platforms in the world, whereas Red Bull will gain the support of one of the leading telecommunications operators in the region”.

The UAE joined the league of the select few nations in the world to first launch the unprecedented mobile broadband speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps, the fastest in the country, following du’s upgrade of its network to next-generation DC-HSPA+ technology.

du’s ultra high-speed mobile broadband network enables customers to have a superior mobile broadband experience including the fastest internet browsing, music downloads or mobile TV access among many other applications. In addition, this ultra high-speed network roll-out reinforces du’s current position as one of the leading operators in the region, providing the best value-for-money and advanced fixed and mobile broadband services to both individual and business users.

About du

du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du’s nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du customers.

Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit, more time and now ‘more international’ recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du’s retail network, currently numbering 33 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, more than 3000 authorized dealers Or through du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one stop shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of the service bills.

du is 39.5 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

Awards to date

du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK’s EuroWeek

du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.